Thousands set to head to North East Vegan Festival (NevFest)

Ross Robertson

Thousands of vegetarians and vegans from around the country are set to flock to the region as a popular festival returns.

The last North East Vegan Festival (NevFest) attracted more than 2,700 visitors, and organisers hope this weekend's event will do even better.

A previous NevFest.

The festival will feature more than 130 stalls selling food, clothing and cosmetics, including hot food to eat on the day. The event takes place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, with all profits going to the Farplace Animal Rescue.

Founder Gareth Edwards set up the festival to promote veganism as a health and ethical life choice - but he stressed the event was not just for those who already eschew meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.

"We always get so many meat eaters coming along to see what veganism is like, and we really welcome everybody to come along and find out more about veganism," he said.

"There will be lots of free samples and tasters on many of the stalls so people will have a great chance to try new and different vegan products before they make a purchase.

"We have more caterers than ever with a huge range of food on offer including Asian, Mediterranean, raw food, vegan cheese, Italian and street foods. There will also be a wide range of chocolate stalls, cup-cakes, cream cakes, sweets and ice-cream."

NevFest will also be a whole range of non-food stalls at the event as well selling a wide variety of items including clothing, drinks, jewellery and gifts and there will be several animal welfare charity stalls raising awareness of some fantastic causes.

The festival’s Pamper Zone will offer visitors massages and beauty treatments so you relax after looking round and taking part in the activities.

The festival includes a craft fair on Floor 3, live cookery demonstrations, films, workshops and children's activities also on floor 3, live music in the bar area and a history of veganism exhibition.

Entry is £2. Tickets can be purchased from the website or at the door on the day.